She is the great screen sizzler, who came to the big screen with a debut in the Hindi film Tere Mere Sapne, the first film to be produced by Amitabh Bachans A.B.C.L. film production unit. Then came producer S. Dhanus V.I.P. with Prabhu Deva and Simran has never looked back since. The dream girl who gives sleepless nights to her young fans, holds the enviable position of being the number one actress here today. In her earlier films Simran was the glamour puss men loved to fantasise about. But today she is an actress to reckon with too. In her recent films like Vaali, Thullada Manamum Thullum and Kannupada Poguthayya, Simran has proved that she can act too if given a chance. That is why like Kushbhu, unlike the other actresses from Bombay who never managed to find a permanent place here, she managed to stay on. We met her for a tete-a-tete and the actress was frank and outspoken in her answers.

Q: In your earlier films you were just a glamour doll. But in some of your recent films, havent you taken on some performance-oriented roles?

Simran: In my debut Tamil film V.I.P., I had a role that called for a lot of glamour. The film was a success and I was flooded with similar kinds of roles. Nerukku Ner, Once More, Aval Varuvala, Natpukkaga, Kannethire Thondrinal, were film where I had just to look good. But then, came films like Thullatha Manamum Thullum, Vaali and Kannupada Poguthayya where I had scope to perform too. And I proved that I could act if given a chance. Unless we actresses are given performance-oriented roles, how can we be expected to display out talent? But I personally feel, that an actress may be talented, but her glamour is one sure way to attract a fan following. Youngsters of today want the actresses to look attractive and glamorous on the screen. I have got a faithful fan following. So, now I concentrate on films that give me scope to act too.

Q: There is an allegation against you, that you accept every film offered to you, collect an advance payment from the producers, but do not stick to your commitment. Comment.

Simran: First of all I do not accept every film offered to me. Only if I find the banner, the director, and my character to my liking, do I accept a film. Then I should have sufficient dates to give them too. I deny outright that I back out of my commitments and the call sheet I have given them with my dates. I have not cheated anybody to date. There are some producers (I dont wish to name them) who due to their own problems have not made use of the dates I have given them. They come to me later asking for the dates that I have already committed to another producer. Should I have obliged them then? It has happened a few times, but am I to be held responsible for it? They are trying to blame me for their inadequacies. I have not given any problem to any producer regarding my call-sheets. If that were the case would I be acting in so many films?

Q: You did a solo dance number in the film Ethirum Puthirum. It was your closeness to Raju Sundaram that made you accept it. What have you to say to this allegation?

Simran: There is a lot of gossip being written about Raju Sundaram and me. But none of them is true. He was the dance choreographer for some of my films. Its true that I developed a friendship with him. But to label it love, romance, etc., is like cheapening the relationship. I relate to him as a good friend, thats all. I have so many men friends in the industry. Those who know me well know about this too. I did that solo number in Ethirum Puthirum because the producer asked me to. Most heroines these days do solo dance number in films, and I am no exception. But to say that I accepted it on Raju Sundarams recommendation is wrong. Anyway I am not much bothered when the media links me with Raju Sundaram. That too is a publicity of sorts for me, isnt it?

Q: After Tere Mere Sapne one never saw you in many Hindi films, why?

Simran: I did get some offers after Tere Mere Sapne but none of them were exciting ones. During that time I got this offer to act in a Tamil film. My first film became a success, and I was considered a lucky actress. The audience here accepted me. Then I became busy in Tamil and Telegu films and could not find much time for Hindi films. Further, for the time one gives to a single Hindi film, one can complete three Tamil films. I like the way the industry works here and I am quite comfortable. So, I continue to act here. Its not important how many films I act but its important that I find a permanent place in the hearts of my fans.

Q: What are your plans for the millennium?

Simran: First of all let me wish everyone a happy, prosperous, peaceful New Year. I wish the cinema industry would free itself of all the problems it is beset with. Video piracy should be wiped out and we need the co-operation of everyone for this. For, thousands of families depend on this industry for their survival. If films do not run, the producers suffer financial losses. There are more unsuccessful than successful films these days. Many producers have dropped out because of this and it does affect the many families who are dependent on the industry. This should change soon. The industry needs the co-operation of the government and the common man, if it is to survive in a healthy manner. My personal desire is that I should act in more roles that give me scope to reveal my talent, and that I should get both the State and the National award. I want to be accepted not just as an actress who is glamorous, but also one who can deliver the goods when given the chance. I want to do more roles that would test my calibre. This is my plan for the millennium. And for this I need the blessing and the cooperation of everyone.

Profile

(Source : www.sify.com) Simran: Numero uno in her field

Today's hottest star Simran had an enviable start, which could be the dream of any aspiring starlet. She was introduced in Hindi by the prestigious ABCL in their film "Tere Mere Sapne". The film didn't fare well at the box office but it's heroine Simran went on to become a success not in Hindi but in South Indian languages Tamil and Telugu.

Her entry into films was not planned but happened naturally. She had been performing on stage during her college days regularly. As a student she compered the Superhit Muqabala.[a program which was popular in DD three or four years ago.] Seeing her on screen Jaya Bachchan immediately called her for a screen test. That was her first introduction to films.

Though her first film didn't fare well at the box office, Simran was least affected by it. By then she had become part of the heroine exodus that had started in Mumbai.

Simran became part of this crowd. Her first film in Tamil "Once More" again had a heavy star cast with the Thespian Sivaji Ganesan and current rage Vijay playing key roles. Simran with her mini skirts and impish smile immediately gained the attention of Tamil audience and before the release of the film Simran's name became familiar all over Tamil Nadu.

Kalaipuli Thanu's expensive bonanza 'VIP' presented Simran in a new light - as a sexy siren and Simran lived up to expectations. Her dances in that film particularly the number with Prabu Deva "Endhan uyir thedi vandhathe" in figure hugging plain chiffon sarees, made Simran the heartthrob of young boys.

Her other dance number in the same film with Prabu Deva, Rambha, Abbas - "Mayulu mayulu mayulamma" reminds one of the sexy Rekha of yesteryears who was a rage at that time with her buxom figure and heavy hips.

Even before Mani Rathnam booked her for "Nerukku Ner" Simran had become a star in her own right. She practically appeared on every wrapper of all the Tamil magazines, mainly due to the stunningly revealing costumes she wore for the photo sessions. "She is a photographer's delight. She doesn't interfere with our work and is willing to be photographed from any angle. She is thoroughly uninhibited and in that way she is a photographer's delight" commented one professional photographer.

In recent times Simran has had the maximum number of hits to her credit."Kannethere Thondrinal" with Prashanth, "Thullatha Manamum Thullam" with Vijay, "Aval Varuvala" and "Vaali"with Ajith are a few of her hits, which deserve special mention. Though all these films dealt with the theme of love they all had a different treatment and Simran, especially in these films was not merely used as a sex symbol.

All the above mentioned films gave Simran ample opportunity to emote and Simran was wise enough to make optimum use of the opportunity given to her. In an already male dominated film world it's very difficult for heroines to get performing characters.In that aspect Simran proved to be lucky and she had also done full justice to the roles given to her. Her histrionics were fully exploited in "Vaali" where she had to handle a brother-in-law lusting after her. Simran's performance was particularly praised in a scene where her own lover turned husband suspects her to be mad.

Again in the second half of "Thullatha Manamum Thullum"Simran gave a highly sensitive performance as a blind girl searching for the man who had helped her.

Simran, basically a home-loving simple Punjabi lass is a very friendly girl who loves to mingle with people, go shopping in her free time and cook "nice Punjabi food" for friends. She is extremely popular in the building she lives in and the flat owners praise her as a "simple girl with her head firmly fixed on her shoulders without any starry airs".

The best thing about Simran is that she realises that her popularity is not a permanent thing and is ready for her exit from films but before that she wants to do some really memorable roles and remain forever embedded in the mnd's of the tamil audience.

Though Simran is a little disappointed that she could not make it big in Hindi where she was first introduced she is happy she has made it Tamil and Telugu both regional languages. She has acted in a couple of Malayalam films too.

When Simran first entered the industry, people were as usual skeptical about her success and just considered her as "yet another Mumbai girl who would give two hits and a few flops and then fly off to Mumbai. But Simran has proved their calculations wrong. With her performance improving from film to film and her remarkable versatility both as a character artist and sex kitten it proves beyond doubt that Simran has really come a long way from where she started. It looks like Simran has come here to stay with us for a long while and not fly back to Mumbai like her other colleagues.

Interview

(Source : www.sify.com) Simran: Firmly placed at the top

With the super success of 'Vaalee' Simran has firmly entrenched herself in Tamil filmdom as the numero uno. Her acting talent was in full display in 'Vaalee' and finally she has proved to be not just a glamour doll but also an actress who can emote. Simran answers a few queries:

Q: Did you ever think that you would be on top when you made your debut in Tamil? A: When I acted in 'Poochooda Vaa' I just took it as trying out my luck. If it clicked then I would be in business or go back to Mumbai but then it clicked and from then onwards the films that came my way were all hits. Soon the industry branded me a lucky star and offers started pouring in. It was then that I started getting a firm footing in the filmdom and till date I have been able to maintain a good name and satisfy my fan following.

Q:You must be pretty pleased with the number one position? A: Not really! I would prefer it if I was called the number one actress, an actress who can do justice to any role and not disappoint the audience. Till yesterday, some other girl was number one and today it is me, but tommorow you may say that to some other girl. This position is not permanent. All the same from one corner of my heart I am happy to know that I am successful and that my fans have liked me. Getting a place in the heart of the audience is all the more important than this number one position.

Q: With 'Vaale' you have been acknowledged as not just a glamour doll but also as a girl who can act. What is your personal feeling? A: Oh finally I am glad that people have begun to see that Simran is not just a glamour doll. When I started out I got only glamour roles and seeing this the industry branded me a glamour girl. Now when my time is right I started getting roles which showed me as an actress. With 'Kannethirey Thondrinal', 'Thullatha Manamum Thullum' and 'Vaalee' the industry sat up and took notice of my acting talents and now directors are coming to me with roles which are not just glamour roles. A combination of glamour and acting will stun the audience.

Q: You are the target of gossip writers now days. How do you react to this? A: I think those who are jealous of my growth are behind the gossip because I have never ever heard anyone on the sets speak bad about me. I never give any room for such gossip because my attention on the sets is on acting and once my work is over I go straight to my house. I have reached a stage where I don't let gossip affect me.

Q: You and Isha were reported to have clashed on the sets of 'Jodi'? A: My God! The kind of stories that go around these days. In fact Isha is one actress who likes my acting very much. We never had any clash.

Q: What are your future projects? A: The films I have on hand are Kanavey Kalayathey, Kannu Padha Pokuthu Aya, Time,Jodi, Udaya, I am doing some Telugu films too and am negotiating for a few other films as well. Otherwise I am of the firm opinion that one should let things happen on their own.

Simran - The Girl Next Door

(Source : www.hydonline.com)

Simran is a kind of girl who brings the screen alive. Its difficult to pin point where her beauty lies. She has the right mixture of talent and charm in her. A superstar in Tamil, She's given enough hits in Telugu also to carve a niche for herself in Tollywood. She's busy with films on hand with all top heroes of Telugu, like Chiranjeevi, Nagarjuna, Balakrishna, Venkatesh and others. Handling both glamour and performance roles with panache, she shared a few moments with us recently.

What do you do in your free time?

These days I surf the net whenever I find time.

Except on the Screen, you are always dress in a simple manner, Why?

My make up and costumes are limited only to the screen. I'm a normal girl otherwise. I don't wear makeup nor am I fond of Jewellery. I don't even touch lipstick.

What kind of dresses do you like?

I like Ghagra-Cholis. All my friends say that I look beautiful in them. Simran

What do you do to maintain your figure?

I exercise every morning. And I keep away fatty foods. I eat limitedly.

Which is your favourite holiday spot?

Since I'm very busy, I find the beach - the place to relax.

When are you going to get married?

I'll tell you that after five years.

What are you looking for, in your man?

He's to look handsome even if he's not fair in complexion. He should love me and understand me.

How do you feel being a heroine?

I feel there's nobody as lucky as me. All this money, fame, respect... All this I got only by being a heroine.

If you hadn't become an actress.....

I'd have made a name as a fashion designer

Why did you object when your Tamil fans wanted to build a temple with your idol?

Today they may like me. If I lose this image tomorrow, they may break the temple. That's why I asked them to adore me in their hearts.

Lastly, What's your date of birth?

4th, April........

Interview (Source : www.pondicherry.com)

Simran is the great screen sizzler, who came to the big screen with a debut in the Hindi film Tere Mere Sapne, the first film to be produced by Amitabh Bachans A.B.C.L. film production unit. Then came producer S. Dhanus V.I.P. with Prabhu Deva and Simran has never looked back since. The dream girl who gives sleepless nights to her young fans, holds the enviable position of being the number one actress here today. In her earlier films Simran was the glamour puss men loved to fantasise about. But today she is an actress to reckon with too. In her recent films like Vaali, Thullada Manamum Thullum and Kannupada Poguthayya, Simran has proved that she can act too if given a chance. That is why like Kushbhu, unlike the other actresses from Bombay who never managed to find a permanent place here, she managed to stay on. We met her for a tete-a-tete and the actress was frank and outspoken in her answers.

Question:

In your earlier films you were just a glamour doll. But in some of your recent films, havent you taken on some performance-oriented roles?

Simran:

In my debut Tamil film V.I.P., I had a role that called for a lot of glamour. The film was a success and I was flooded with similar kinds of roles. Nerukku Ner, Once More, Aval Varuvala, Natpukkaga, Kannethire Thondrinal, were film where I had just to look good. But then, came films like Thullatha Manamum Thullum, Vaali and Kannupada Poguthayya where I had scope to perform too. And I proved that I could act if given a chance. Unless we actresses are given performance-oriented roles, how can we be expected to display out talent? But I personally feel, that an actress may be talented, but her glamour is one sure way to attract a fan following. Youngsters of today want the actresses to look attractive and glamorous on the screen. I have got a faithful fan following. So, now I concentrate on films that give me scope to act too.

Question: There is an allegation against you, that you accept every film offered to you, collect an advance payment from the producers, but do not stick to your commitment. Comment.

Simran: First of all I do not accept every film offered to me. Only if I find the banner, the director, and my character to my liking, do I accept a film. Then I should have sufficient dates to give them too. I deny outright that I back out of my commitments and the call sheet I have given them with my dates. I have not cheated anybody to date. There are some producers (I dont wish to name them) who due to their own problems have not made use of the dates I have given them. They come to me later asking for the dates that I have already committed to another producer. Should I have obliged them then? It has happened a few times, but am I to be held responsible for it? They are trying to blame me for their inadequacies. I have not given any problem to any producer regarding my call-sheets. If that were the case would I be acting in so many films?

Question: You did a solo dance number in the film Ethirum Puthirum. It was your closeness to Raju Sundaram that made you accept it. What have you to say to this allegation?

Simran: There is a lot of gossip being written about Raju Sundaram and me. But none of them is true. He was the dance choreographer for some of my films. Its true that I developed a friendship with him. But to label it love, romance, etc., is like cheapening the relationship. I relate to him as a good friend, thats all. I have so many men friends in the industry. Those who know me well know about this too. I did that solo number in Ethirum Puthirum because the producer asked me to. Most heroines these days do solo dance number in films, and I am no exception. But to say that I accepted it on Raju Sundarams recommendation is wrong. Anyway I am not much bothered when the media links me with Raju Sundaram. That too is a publicity of sorts for me, isnt it?

Question: After Tere Mere Sapne one never saw you in many Hindi films, why?

Simran: I did get some offers after Tere Mere Sapne but none of them were exciting ones. During that time I got this offer to act in a Tamil film. My first film became a success, and I was considered a lucky actress. The audience here accepted me. Then I became busy in Tamil and Telegu films and could not find much time for Hindi films. Further, for the time one gives to a single Hindi film, one can complete three Tamil films. I like the way the industry works here and I am quite comfortable. So, I continue to act here. Its not important how many films I act but its important that I find a permanent place in the hearts of my fans.

Interview with Simran

Firmly placed at the top

(Source : www.tamilstar.com)

With the super success of 'Vaalee' Simran has firmly entrenched herself in Tamil filmdom as the numero uno. Her acting talent was in full display in 'Vaalee' and finally she has proved to be not just a glamour doll but also an actress who can emote. Simran answers a few queries:

Q: Did you ever think that you would be on top when you made your debut in Tamil? A: When I acted in 'Poochooda Vaa' I just took it as trying out my luck. If it clicked then I would be in business or go back to Mumbai but then it clicked and from then onwards the films that came my way were all hits. Soon the industry branded me a lucky star and offers started pouring in. It was then that I started getting a firm footing in the filmdom and till date I have been able to maintain a good name and satisfy my fan following.

Q:You must be pretty pleased with the number one position? A: Not really! I would prefer it if I was called the number one actress, an actress who can do justice to any role and not disappoint the audience. Till yesterday, some other girl was number one and today it is me, but tommorow you may say that to some other girl. This position is not permanent. All the same from one corner of my heart I am happy to know that I am successful and that my fans have liked me. Getting a place in the heart of the audience is all the more important than this number one position.

Q: With 'Vaale' you have been acknowledged as not just a glamour doll but also as a girl who can act. What is your personal feeling? A: Oh finally I am glad that people have begun to see that Simran is not just a glamour doll. When I started out I got only glamour roles and seeing this the industry branded me a glamour girl. Now when my time is right I started getting roles which showed me as an actress. With 'Kannethirey Thondrinal', 'Thullatha Manamum Thullum' and 'Vaalee' the industry sat up and took notice of my acting talents and now directors are coming to me with roles which are not just glamour roles. A combination of glamour and acting will stun the audience.

Q: You are the target of gossip writers now days. How do you react to this? A: I think those who are jealous of my growth are behind the gossip because I have never ever heard anyone on the sets speak bad about me. I never give any room for such gossip because my attention on the sets is on acting and once my work is over I go straight to my house. I have reached a stage where I don't let gossip affect me.

Q: You and Isha were reported to have clashed on the sets of 'Jodi'? A: My God! The kind of stories that go around these days. In fact Isha is one actress who likes my acting very much. We never had any clash.

Q: What are your future projects? A: The films I have on hand are Kanavey Kalayathey, Kannu Padha Pokuthu Aya, Time,Jodi, Udaya, I am doing some Telugu films too and am negotiating for a few other films as well. Otherwise I am of the firm opinion that one should let things happen on their own.